A person is standing in an elevator. In which situation, he experiences weight loss ?
(A)When the elevator moves upward with constant acceleration
(B)When the elevator moves downward with constant acceleration✓ Correct
(C)When the elevator moves upward with uniform velocity
(D)When the elevator moves downward with uniform velocity
Answer: (B)
Solution
The apparent weight (normal reaction N) is given by N=m(g−a) when the elevator accelerates downward with acceleration a. Since a>0, we have N<mg, so the person experiences weight loss. When moving with uniform velocity (options C and D), a=0 so N=mg (no weight change). When accelerating upward, N=m(g+a)>mg (weight gain).
JEE Main · 2022 · 26 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Single correct option